Tarsus was a significant Roman city and a thriving intellectual center in Paul's day with palaces, marketplaces, roads and bridges, baths and fountains. Very little of this history remains today. As Gabriel and I entered this modern city, we couldn't see any of the grandeur it once held, challenging us to see this biblical place from a spiritual perspective.
The distance between Antioch and Tarsus is a three hour drive. The route took us over a high mountain range, striking us with how challenging it must have been in the first century to travel between these two cities. It gave us a new perspective as we considered the effort it took for Barnabas to collect Paul from Tarsus and bring him back to Antioch to be with the community of believers there.
At Saint Paul's Church in the heart of the city, we found one of the most humble places of worship that has stood the test of time. Formerly a Greek Orthodox church, lack of community has prevented regular services, though local and international congregations are still able to congregate here. In the brochure provided, we learned that the church is now operating as a museum, but “pious Christians come here frequently for pilgrimage.” Since this was our first trip, we thought it was humorous we didn't feel we fit into the pious category. It's a clever way to encourage people to return. Maybe one day!
Outside the church is a paved walkway that winds its way through a tree-lined garden area. We were surprised to see so many ancient relics here—in the courtyard, in the garden, and in a former parking lot next to the property. Pieces of history that would be on proud display in any museum were left behind, placed on the ground with no one to admire or appreciate their worth. Turkey is a nation rich with treasures like these!
Less than 5 minutes away is the location of Saint Paul's well, a site to commemorate Paul's birth in Tarsus, as is an ancient road from the Roman Empire period. The Old Tarsus Houses are another historic site in this area worthy of a visit, if you have the time.
Tarsus was a significant Roman city and a thriving intellectual center in Paul's day with palaces, marketplaces, roads and bridges, baths and fountains. Very little of this history remains today.
As Gabriel and I entered this modern city, we couldn't see any of the grandeur it once held, challenging us to see this biblical place from a spiritual perspective.
The distance between Antioch and Tarsus is a three hour drive. The route took us over a high mountain range, striking us with how challenging it must have been in the first century to travel between these two cities. It gave us a new perspective as we considered the effort it took for Barnabas to collect Paul from Tarsus and bring him back to Antioch to be with the community of believers there.
At Saint Paul's Church in the heart of the city, we found one of the most humble places of worship
that has stood the test of time. Formerly a Greek Orthodox church, lack of community has prevented regular services, though local and international congregations are still able to congregate here. In the brochure provided, we learned that the church is now operating as a museum, but “pious Christians come here frequently for pilgrimage.”
Since this was our first trip, we thought it was humorous we didn't feel we fit into the pious category. It's a clever way to encourage people to return. Maybe one day!
Outside the church is a paved walkway that winds its way through a tree-lined garden area. We were surprised to see so many ancient relics
here—in the courtyard, in the garden, and in a former parking lot next to the property. Pieces of history that would be on proud display in any museum were left behind, placed on the ground with no one to admire or appreciate their worth. Turkey is a nation rich with treasures like these!
Less than 5 minutes away is the location of Saint Paul's well, a site to commemorate Paul's birth in Tarsus, as is an ancient road from the Roman Empire period. The Old Tarsus Houses
are another historic site in this area worthy of a visit, if you have the time.
